By Lerato Mutlanyane
With Local Government Elections on the horizon, the government is ramping up efforts to rebuild trust and fix failing municipalities, placing governance reform at the centre of its agenda.
Building on calls by CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa for municipalities to strengthen governance systems and restore public confidence ahead of the 2026–2027 elections, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to sweeping reforms. Central to this is the near-complete review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, alongside ongoing work to improve municipal funding models and staffing frameworks.
The Free State Provincial Government, together with the provincial Department of CoGTA, took a decisive step by hosting a Consultative Engagement on the Draft White Paper on Local Government at Bloemfontein City Hall on 24 March 2026.
MEC Saki Mokoena did not mince words about the scale of the crisis, highlighting mounting service delivery backlogs, crumbling infrastructure, financial strain, governance failures, and rising community expectations.
The revised White Paper seeks to confront these challenges through a bold reform agenda focused on ethical leadership, accountability, financial sustainability, and responsive service delivery. It also prioritises stronger collaboration with communities and traditional leaders to build a more coordinated and capable local government system.
Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka of the Barolong boo Seleka Royal House underscored the need for unity, saying the process demands collaboration across all sectors to secure a better-functioning future for local government.
The engagement further highlighted the critical role of traditional leaders in governance, particularly within municipal structures. Deputy Minister Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe pointed to legislative provisions that enable their participation and potential assignment of municipal functions.
Ultimately, the success of these reforms will depend on implementation, accountability, and the ability to deliver visible improvements in people’s daily lives. As South Africa navigates complex governance challenges, the revised White Paper stands as both a blueprint for change and a test of the government’s commitment to rebuilding public trust.
